Wed Sep 13 17:27:49 EAT 2017

Gen Muntu suspends campaigns, goes to Germany

Gen Muntu campaigns recently. File photo

By Misairi Thembo Kahungu

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Kampala- Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) presidential candidate Maj Gen Mugisha Muntu has taken a five-day break from campaigns to attend a conference that has attracted numerous political parties from various countries in Germany.

Gen Muntu who wants to retain the FDC top job in the November polls, has been traversing the country campaigning.

Other candidates in the race are Mr Patrick Amuriat, Kawempe South Member of Parliament; Mr Mubarak Munyagwa, Mr Moses Byamugisha and Mr Dan Mastiko.

FDC deputy spokesperson, Mr Paul Mwiru told Daily Monitor on Wednesday that being a party leader, Gen Muntu was mandated to attend the conference in Berlin, with leaders of other parties from Uganda.

The conference that ends on Friday was organised by Conrad Adenaour Stiftung, a German political foundation.

Details of the conference are, however, scanty.

Gen Muntu in August stepped down as FDC president to concentrate on a campaign to get a second term in office.

Former Serere Woman MP, Ms Alice Alaso is now the acting president until the elections are held, to determine the next president.

Asked why Ms Aloso would not represent the main opposition party at the conference, Mr Mwiru said Muntu was invited last year.

“He [Muntu] has travelled because his name was already confirmed attendance since last year. The air tickets had been issued. The acting president will continue handling office issues,” Mr Mwiru said.

Mr Dan Mugarura, the FDC Electoral Commission Chairperson said Gen. Muntu’s travel to Germany will not affect the campaign programme of other candidates because he had already indicated he would not be campaigning this week.

Meanwhile, Mr Matsiko on Tuesday travelled to South Africa to attend a meeting with supporters.